IF anyone doubted Dingley’s status as a premiership contender, a nine goals to one first half against Cheltenham at Cheltenham on Saturday has made it clear for all to see.
The undefeated Dingoes are the real deal in the Southern Football League division 1 premiership race.
The Dingoes went on to win the match 13.6 (84) to 6.9 (45) and sit equal top with St Paul’s on the SFL ladder after three rounds.
Dingoes coach Shane Morwood praised his players for their focus.
“They were set for this game,” he said. “Sometimes it’s hard to tell with players, whether they are switched on or not, but the warm up and team talk were great, then when they got out on the field they hunted in packs and never gave Cheltenham any time or space to do anything. Then we also used the ball well on our rebounds out of defence.”
Wingman Matt Freeman was named best player, showing the fruits of a second year in the SFL, while on-baller Adam Stock, who crossed to Dingley from Phillip Island, ran all day and showed impressive fitness.
Morwood said he hoped the Dingoes’ undefeated start would continue and set up a finals run for the club.
“It’s a great achievement and should help set up our year,” he said. “We have been there [at Cheltenham] the past two years. Last year they beat us by 22 goals and I think some players still have nightmares about that game.
“Plus they beat us by five points in the finals last year but it’s a different year and both sides have some different players.
“It was an important win because it was a our first real test of the season.”
Morwood has urged his players to continue their tenacity and focus in the coming weeks, starting with the Dingoes’ clash against struggling Highett this Saturday.
“Each week is a challenge. Highett hasn’t won a game yet but you can’t underestimate anyone in this competition, we have to remain focused on what we want to achieve this year,” Morwood said.
In division 2, Springvale Districts bounced back from its loss to Oakleigh District last round beating Murrumbeena by 49 points on Saturday.
Adam Nichols impressed with three goals in a best on ground performance while Damien Stoter-Rainer, Dan Wilson and Rob Johnson were named in the best players.
In division 3 Dandenong had to work for its 12-point win over Carrum Patterson Lakes on Saturday.
The Lions led the Redlegs at three-quarter time before the Redlegs finished over the top of them.
Chris Hadfield, Matthew Van Schajik, Dylan Bracebridge, Daniel Atkin and Regan Hall were best, with Van Schajik kicking three goals.
Sandown thumped Hallam Hawks by 112 points with Shane Adams kicking eight goals.
John Frenken, Dwayne Doig and Jason Toan were named best players for the Cobras.
Doveton Eagles continued their good form with a solid win over an in-form Lyndale, winning 13.21 (99) to 9.8 (62).
Black Rock made short work of Endeavour Hills, scoring a 62-point win. —Roy Ward
SFL DIVISION 1 LADDER: St Paul’s 12 points, 449.49 per cent; Dingley 12, 353.61; East Brighton 8, 182.26; Cheltenham 8, 124.62; Clayton 8, 123.44; Chelsea Heights 8, 89.58; St Kilda City 4, 113.71; East Malvern 0, 49.34; Highett 0, 32.21; Heatherton 0, 13.53.
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